to take a sip, and she tried not to notice his hands. They were beautiful hands for a man. Masculine, yet beautiful. They were big, with long fingers and clean nails. And no rings. “That was over fifteen years ago. And it proves what can happen when there are adults in the room,” he said.
He then leaned back in his chair. “I recall when I met Raejean. I was in high school and thought she was absolutely beautiful. And when I saw her and Grady together, they seemed like the perfect couple.”
He put down his cup. “I was crushed when they ended their engagement. It took both Rae’jean and Grady to finally make me understand that although they loved each other, they weren’t in love. They got me to see that there was a difference.”
“I understand they didn’t realize the difference themselves for a while, either,” Sebrina said.
“Not until Lynn got shot. That brought things out in the forefront for the both of them.”
“And now, even though they are blissfully happy with the people they married, they are still very good friends,” she said. “And neither Ryan nor Lynn have a problem with it.”
“Yes. I guess some people can accept things that others can’t. Have you ever been in love, Sebrina?”
Whoa! Where had that question come from? Everyone in the family knew about Wade and the heartbreak he’d left behind. Had Rae’jean not told him?
Now that she thought about it, she doubted Rae’jean would have told him about that. Why would she? It was water under the bridge.
“Yes, but it was a long time ago, back when I was in high school. The guy was my father’s neighbor in New Jersey, and I would see him every summer.”
“What happened?”
She could easily say it was none of his business, but she really didn’t want to. She discovered that she enjoyed talking with Parker. She didn’t have any older brothers or male cousins she could confide in and she found conversing with him refreshing.
“Wade sent me a ‘Dear John’ letter just before he left for college. No biggie.” That wasn’t true—it had been huge for her. But rather than get into it, she turned the conversation over to him. “What about you, Parker? You ever been in love?”
“I don’t think so.”
Sebrina lifted a brow. “Don’t you know?”
He shrugged. “There were women that I liked a lot, but no one I would say that I truly loved. Early on, I made my career my first love and have been satisfied with that. I figure that one day, I’ll meet someone and fall in love, then settle down and have children. But I’m in no hurry.”
Sebrina was glad the waitress chose that moment to return with their food.
“You were right. These pancakes are fantastic, Sebrina.”
She smiled over at him and Parker’s breath caught, and a burst of need flooded his stomach. But then, it had been that way with them since that first day. Even last night at the hospital, there seemed to be a sexual charge bouncing between them. He was sure she’d noticed it, too.
“I told you you’d like them,” she said smiling. “They’re my favorite breakfast.”
He looked at her plate. “So why are you eating yogurt with berries?”
She chuckled and the sound, like the smile, made his heart skip a beat. “I have a good reason.”
“Which is?”
“The holidays are coming up. Don’t you know you’re supposed to lose weight before the holidays, so you won’t feel so bad when you gain it all back before the new year?”
Parker laughed. “Is that right?”
When she nodded, he said, “Sorry, but I didn’t get that memo. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a pause when it came to food. But just for the record, I think you look beautiful, and seem to be in great shape.” Even her medical attire couldn’t detract from her good looks. She came off as professional yet gorgeous.
“Thanks, but you’re just being kind.”
He met her gaze over the rim of his coffee cup. “No, Sebrina, I’m being honest.”
His words seemed to make her go still, her meal all but forgotten.
The moment seemed to stand still. He sat, waiting for a response to his statement, but she said nothing, she just sat there, looking at him. The sexual tension was almost tangible.
Her eyes were so dark, they appeared to be like black velvet. And as he looked deeper into them, he swore he saw a tempest in her pupils that stirred every male instinct inside of him.
Then his gaze shifted